James Ronald Sims (Jim to friends, Ron to family) born July 29, 1944, passed away on October 19, 2014 at age 70. His last hours were spent at home with his loving wife and best friend, Amy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Wes and Alyene and nephews, Stephan Wayne and Geoffrey Dean Lee. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Amy, two beautiful daughters, Dana (Karl) Englebright and DeAnna Oakley, three grandchildren, Emily Englebright and Spencer and Haven Oakley, sisters JoAnne (Rick) Lee and Debbie Turnbow (Kurt Laing) and many wonderful nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

Jim grew up in Lakeview Oregon (there he was known as Ronnie) where he still has many friends. There he had the best childhood possible. To quote Jim Godsby, "We had the kind of childhood that books are made of. None are better than the stories we lived out; the Frog Pond, Hairyman, the Hills, the gravel pit, Stink Creek, Mill Pond; the time we burned the duck blind down with a Can-A-Heat. I could go on and on. One could write a great book with having to embellish at all."

Like many in Lakeview, Jim found himself a father while still in high school. He went back for his junior year and then during his senior year he left and went to work in the construction field to support his family. Following construction he ended up in the Midwest for a few years and then moved to the Tri-Cities where he found welding codes getting harder which was right down his alley as his love for welding grew deeper. Jim became an adjunct welding engineer in many fields in which he thrived. He met many people who told him the only real mistake he ever made was not following the advice J. T. (Nig) Lawson had given him as a mentor. Having Nig behind him opened several doors of opportunity. Jim, his parents, sister and brother-in-law, JoAnne and Rick worked hard to stay together and moved from state to state to do so. They all ended up in the Tri-Cities in the early 1970s where they were able to make it their forever home and raise their children. Here Jim and his first wife, Dorothy, divorced and went their separate ways. Jim then met Amy Krall and, with his two young daughters, they made a happy family.

Jim was a longtime welder in good standing at Plumbers and Fitters Union 598. Through them he continued to weld in the Hanford area and taught part time at CBC for 12 years. For the most part he continued to work there until poor health forced him to retire in the spring of 2007. Upon retirement Jim ended up a Senior Superintendent Construction Supervisor and Facilities Manager over several Hanford buildings. He made a lot of great friends here, Bob Urquhart, John Tatum, Dale Crosby, Gary Colburt, Jim Skinner, Ron Koestner, Jim Pentecost, Dave Sieler, just to name a few. He especially loved his brother-in-law, Rick, who was always the "brother he never had" and his son-in-law, Karl, who was the "son he never had". Jim also greatly loved his two sisters, JoAnne and Debbie with all his heart. For him it was well worth the effort keeping the family together. Also, last but never least, he cared greatly for his best running mate, Pat Robuck. Jim and Pat spent many happy hours camping in the high Oregon desert. Jim wasn't a religious fanatic; however, he knew the Lord and had a special relationship with him. We all miss you Jim (Ronnie) and know that you are waiting for us to join you in Heaven.

Many thanks to Drs. Leedy and Matharu and everyone at Hospice, Liz, Dennis, Christine, Juieta, Desiree, Flura, Cheryl, Patsy, Veronica, Hilda, Susan, Anita, Cathy, and Jan. Thank you for all your kindness and care. Without you he would not have been able to spend his last days at home. Jim passed away after seven long years battling lung issues. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, October 30th at Sunset Gardens Event Center, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA 99352 at 11:00. Please come and join us. A reception will follow after the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association.